TONGA ISLAND. 131 



reached the ground. They were also very sociable, and gave 

 me to understand by means of signs, that the tapa I saw them 

 making, was intended as a bridal present to a near relative. 



April 29th. At 2 P. M., the two kings, Josiah and 

 George, came to the Observatory to pay a visit to Captain 

 Wilkes. The latter is about forty years of age, and is a 

 remarkably fine-looking man, being six feet and upwards in 

 height, with regular features, a dignified mien, and a very 

 intelligent face. His attire consisted simply of a large piece 

 of white tapa wound round his waist in loose folds, hanging 

 down to the feet, and leaving his arms and breast entirely 

 bare. He is, as has already been observed, master of Hapai 

 and Vavoa,* and no doubt he will ere long possess himself 

 of Tonga, as King Josiah is represented as a very weak- 

 minded old man, and caring little about the affairs of govern- 

 ment. Their majesties were attended by about a hundred of 

 their warriors, who were armed and painted after the manner 

 of war. Previous to returning to Nookualofa, Captain "Wilkes 

 brought them on board the ship, and, after treating them to a 

 lunch, he made them some presents in the name of the 

 government. Josiah, or Tubou, is a son of Mumuz, who was 

 king in the time of the celebrated Captain Cook. He is 

 about sixty years of age, but he appears much older. 



The two kings had scarcely left the ship, when one of the 

 heathen who had been alongside for the purpose of trade, 

 came running up to Lieutenant Case and begged him to get 

 his canoe, which, he said, two of George's warriors had taken 

 from him by force. The circumstance was reported by Cap- 

 tain Wilkes to King George, who immediately gave orders for 

 the canoe to be returned to the owner. 



* These islands are situated about thirty miles from Tonga, and are represented as 

 being high, and subject to severe storms. The inhabitants are of the same extraction 

 as the Tongese. 



